There will always be moments at home when we have a problem that would need to be solved by welding. Examples of such moment is fixing a veranda gate, a broken see-through gate, a broken coat rack, a broken bunk, to mention a few. It is helpful to do the little ones you can yourself and leave big welding projects for the professionals. Once you get the right welder and other materials for welding together with safety in mind, you’re good to go.
The Right Type Of Welder
Like most other things, there is no ‘right’ type of welding machine. You’ll select one based on your needs. The popular categories are wire welding, stick welding and TIG. Wire welding is carried out using thin wires that are shot out softly through a ‘gun.’ It is very fast and easy to use, especially when it comes to thin sheets. Wire welding is further divided into two: MIG and flux cord.
Beginners usually start with stick welding. It is slower than and not as effective as MIG but gets the work done. It is especially suitable for quick repairs. Since it’s for home use, you only have to pick between those two. The last one, TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) is used by professionals especially when working on automobiles or in architecture.
Safety Equipment
Welding is a job to be handled with carefulness. You can be hurt, or even an explosion may occur if you don’t take proper precautions. You need welding gloves and helmet, safety glasses, a fire-resistant jacket, and a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire. Ensure that you work in spaces open enough to allow the tiny sparks to fly without restriction. Also, it is advisable to do your welding work in the garage and most importantly, away from flammable materials.
Other Essentials
One of the essential equipment you need is an angle grinder. An angle grinder is useful to make your work smooth. It is used to prepare the metals for welding and helps to achieve a smooth weld. Work clamps keep the metals in place during the process. This also ensures a neet job. You would also need some tool for cutting so be sure to get a suitable one.
Other Preparations
You need to make sure electricity and gas are available before you begin. The two used voltages are 110v and 230v. The latter is useful for thicker materials while the former does it for thinner sheets. In the case of 230v, you might need to get a plug. This information is also useful when getting a welder. The best machines are those that operate dual voltages though they may cost more.
In welding, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, though be careful not to make dangerous ones. Whatever you weld can be undone with a grinder, and redone too. The more you practice, the better you get. Again an important part of welding is safety: you cannot be too careful.